If you oversee the selection of countertops for a new or renovated lab, there are a lot of things to consider. Money is probably the most important to many people. You likely have a certain budget and need to work around that. However, it’s also important that the lab counter tops are capable of sustaining all of the work done on them throughout the day. We’ll look at a few of the most common materials for countertops and what they bring to the table, including the cost factor.
Phenolic Resin
Lab counter tops made of phenolic resin are a fairly new technology. The phenolic resin is created by fusing many layers of craft paper that are steeped in resin. These layers all combine to make a one-piece countertop that is built to last. The core of these countertops are black, but some suppliers sell them in other colors with a coating applied. In most cases, these come in one-inch thickness.
This countertop is excellent for chemical resistance and can handle heat exposure of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose a coated countertop, any scratches or abrasions will eventually show the black core. This is an excellent option but can be more expensive than lab counter tops made of lower quality materials.
Epoxy Resin
This type of countertop is well-known and is used in many laboratories. The non-porous nature makes it great for chemicals, and it also does not absorb moisture, so that it can be installed near sinks. This material is created using filler material, silica, epoxy resin, and a hardener.
This is a more affordable option for many and often is used for pharmaceutical labs, biomedical labs, and industrial testing. It also does not suffer from scratches or scrapes if something happens to the surface. As such, many people choose this material for the price and durability.
Other Options
While these two options are quite popular, there are other possibilities. Plastic laminate is a low-cost alternative but doesn’t do well with moisture, heat, or chemicals. Butcher block wood countertops are another possibility but not acceptable for every application. It does absorb any spills which can be a huge problem. Finally, stainless steel is a potential option. They are durable and built to last but are a bit more expensive and can corrode with the use of chemicals.
At AGR Fabricators, we provide only the best lab countertops on the market. We’d be happy to help you choose the right option for your business or laboratory. You can find out more about our products at the website
